Cardiology Services in Jefferson, Northern Lewis, and Southern St. Lawrence Counties

At Carthage Area Hospital, the cardiology team is committed to the heart health and overall well-being of its patients. Serving New York residents across Jefferson, Northern Lewis, and Southern St. Lawrence counties, the facilities offer a variety of medical services for diagnostic and routine care. Learn more about our cardiology division and healthcare team.

About Cardiology

Cardiology is the branch of medicine that deals with the heart and blood vessels. A cardiologist specializes in treating a wide variety of cardiovascular conditions and can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes to help prevent patients from developing heart disease. Some of the disorders treated by a cardiologist include:

Aortic issues (aneurysm, stenosis)
Arterial issues (peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease)
Atherosclerosis
Atrial fibrillation (Afib)
Cardiomyopathy
Endocarditis
Heart abnormalities
Heart attack
Heart valve problems
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Myocarditis
Stroke

When to Visit a Cardiologist

If you think you may have a cardiovascular issue, the first step is to consult your primary care provider. This medical professional, who is familiar with your medical history and any current conditions, will let you know if your symptoms warrant a referral to a cardiologist. Common symptoms that may necessitate a referral include:

Chest discomfort
Heart palpitations
High blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Fainting or dizziness

Patients should know their risk for heart disease. While some risk factors such as genetics are out of their control, patients can take steps to lower heart disease risk by changing the factors that are within their control. These could include quitting smoking, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising regularly.

Please note: Patients should dial 911 in the event of a heart attack, stroke, or another incident that requires emergency services.

Cardiology Services

Using the latest technology and advancements, the cardiology team at Carthage Area Hospital performs a variety of diagnostic evaluations and routine procedures to help patients maintain their health. These services include:

Symptom evaluations
Pacemaker examinations
Pre-operative cardiac clearance for major surgical procedures
Comprehensive cardiac evaluations by referral
Peripheral arterial disease evaluation (circulation in the legs and feet)
Hypertension management
Chronic cardiac care
Congestive heart failure

Depending on the symptoms present, a provider may recommend the following tests to gather more insights about the patient’s condition:

Holter monitor and event recording: A Holter monitor is used to detect arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats. The patient is fitted with the monitor in the office and sent home with instructions. This test is typically performed for 24 to 48 hours.
Treadmill stress test: Also called an exercise stress test, this in-office evaluation helps the provider find out how well your heart handles physical activity.
Nuclear stress test: This evaluation is used to measure blood flow using small amounts of radioactive material and an imaging machine. The patient typically is evaluated while at rest and while physically active.
Carotid ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to examine blood flow through the carotid arteries, which are located along the side of the neck.
Echocardiogram (echo): Using high-frequency sound waves, this test creates an image of your heart for the provider to see how well it performs.
In-office electrocardiogram (EKG) interpretation: An EKG records electrical signals from the heart. Patients will see the cardiologist to learn the results of this test.

Cardiology Providers

Carthage Area Hospital is proud to deliver specialized, comprehensive patient services to the region. The dedicated cardiology team includes the following healthcare providers:

Mirza M. Ashraf, MD, FACC, FCCP

An established Carthage Area Hospital provider since 1973, Mirza M. Ashraf, MD, FACC, FCCP provides quality, personalized care to each patient. In addition to maintaining his practice, Dr. Ashraf has served in the role of Medical Director. He is a diplomate of the following specialties:

Nuclear Cardiology Board
American Board of Cardiology
American Board of Critical Care Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)
National Board of Echocardiography

Lydia Kirschman, FNP

Lydia Kirschman, FNP proudly works alongside Dr. Ashraf, bringing her extensive knowledge, skill, and warm personality to the facility. She is experienced and credentialed in the management of several chronic conditions, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes.

Facility Locations

Patients can receive the cardiology treatment they need at whichever of our locations is nearest them. Cardiac facilities associated with Carthage Area Hospital include the following:

Heart and Health Center of Northern NY

1001 West Street Rd

Carthage, NY 13619

315-493-1450

Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Receive Cardiology Care From Carthage Area Hospital

New York residents living in Jefferson, northern Lewis, and southern St. Lawrence counties and beyond can access quality, compassionate cardiology care at Carthage Area Hospital. For more information about the cardiology services or the referral process, contact us today.